All too often rape and sexual violence is used as a weapon in conflict. It's victims include not only large numbers of women, but also men and children. The perpetrators of such appalling crimes are rarely brought to justice.
Stigma is a huge issue, because survivors of sexual violence can be ostracised from society, treated differently by family members, cut off from support networks and denied justice; and this can have long-lasting effects on community reconciliation and stabilisation. The British Embassy in Bogotá has been working hard to support victims and helped to set up Network of Women Victims of Sexual Violence.
These are the stories of three women who are living with the consequences of sexual violence:
Nidia Cortés Parra from El Castillo, shares her story:
"Well, my experience was very hard; I was sexually abused by a member of the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia). That person left a mark that will remain forever. I never wanted to talk about this, for many years I kept it for myself. The incident took place in 2000 and I spoke and reported it in 2015."
"That person left a mark that will remain forever."
In 2015 Nidia joined the Network of Women Victims of Sexual Violence supported by the British Embassy Bogotá, and started working with them on their campaign "Visiblemente," which aims to raise the visibility of these crimes and their victims:
"Thanks to this Network I have overcome my experience in a lot of ways. This is why I work with women in defence of their rights, because we have faced the same situation."
Adriana Parrado Prieto is victim of sexual violence and has been forced to leave her home:
"We have suffered the conflict since 1993, but it got worse since 2000. My husband got killed by the guerrilla, there were many persons kidnapped, many young women and raped."
"They tied women's feet and hands and raped them in front of their children and raped their daughters in front of them and siblings"
"We got rescued by the army, but instead of helping us they abused us. We returned to our village and the paramilitaries were waiting for us. They raped and killed women. They tied women's feet and hands and raped them in front of their children and raped their daughters in front of them and siblings. I had the chance to escape otherwise I would have been killed. I wouldn't wish what happened to me upon my worst enemy, because one thing is to talk about it, and another thing is to experience it firsthand."
"I am no longer the person I used to be, I'm not the happy free-minded women I was. People around me say I'm bitter, but after seeing and suffering so much pain it is hard to overcome it. However, with patience I am recovering."
"I am no longer the person I used to be, I'm not the happy free-minded women I was"
"I have moved forward with my life, but I still have a lot of pain in my heart. And I have been brave to continue living, because I have tried to commit suicide, but now I think twice, because of my children and grandchildren."
"Now I am part of the Network of Women Victims of Sexual Violence. Thanks to God and them I have found a more peaceful life and I have the strength to provide support to more women, because there are still many women who have not been able to denounce, and have kept their pain just for themselves for so many years. There are women with children born as a result of rape, and some of them hate their babies. They haven’t been able to receive support or guidance to report. We work in a conflict-affected region, we might be at risk but we will continue providing support to women. I am thankful for this opportunity and for the chance to move forward."
Argelia Salgado Padilla was born and raised in Santafé y Cotea village, but was forced from her home by paramilitaries in 2006. She has 5 children and a beautiful granddaughter. This is her story:
"I don't know why I experienced sexual violence; I would have never imagined suffering something like this. I was raped in 2004 by paramilitary men. I thought it was a punishment for living in a territory where others thought we were all members of the guerrilla. I lived with this violation and never gave it much importance.
"I don't know why I experienced sexual violence; I would have never imagined suffering something like this"
"But my biggest mistake was moving to El Playón and ending up in a police officer's hands; he killed a part of my life. In 31 October 2006, I was attacked. They took me to Cartagena, where he abused me and scarred me for life. I thought everything that was happening to me was my fault, for organising women to claim our rights (as victims of displacement). I was blaming myself for demanding my rights; I thought that was the cause of what happened to me. I was badly injured, and I contracted a disease. I hid what happened from my husband and children."
"However, I am thankful to the Network of Women Victims of Sexual Violence , because I have been learning a lot. Nowadays, I feel better, appreciated! With the Network I have learnt to value my own life."
"I have learnt to value my own life"
"Through my experience, a lot of women have had the courage to denounce, and I'm still encouraging them to continue denouncing, they cannot remain silent. Because we don't want more violence, we don't want more abuses to women in the territories. I am an example for many women, and this is why I encourage them to report, to talk. I kept silent for too long, and that silence would’ve led me to death. I am so grateful for the leaders of the Network for introducing me to so many other women who are working together in this process; it has been the best that’s happened in my life.
"We don't want more violence, we don't want more abuses to women"
Stories like these show the devastating impact that sexual violence can have and the wide ranging effects it can have on victims, their families and communities. They also highlight the importance of support networks and the incredible strength these women have shown.
We must make sure that victims can speak out. We must ensure their rights are protected. We must end sexual violence.
